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Music Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Music instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by Kyle

"Amazing Vocal Instructor

I had been attempting to learn to "sing" by myself for years, but to no avail. I decided to give traditional lessons a try, and

found this site. After looking in my area and reading other's reviews, I figured I'd take the plunge with Melanie.

Wow. Melanie was great. She was welcoming and she made me feel at home, even though singing in front of someone was a fear of mine. We started out with simple warm ups and practices, which actually taught me more than I had ever known already, and moved on to songs!

I didn't get to spend much time with Melanie, because I moved, but the two months we worked together greatly helped my abilities. I don't feel ashamed of my voice.

She taught me how to not only sing, but listen.

If you haven't already selected her as your instructor, what are ya waiting for?"

...

Nashville, TN teacher:
Melanie A.

Review by Warren

"Great Guitar Teacher

I'm really enjoying taking guitar lessons from Steven. He's easy going, fun to learn from and is not only teaching the mechanics of

playing guitar but also the ear training and theory behind music in general and performance in particular."

...

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Steven B.

Review by Sam

"Mack's a great teacher, we recommend him!"

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Mack R.

Review by Hani

"I could not have asked for a better teacher! As a grown adult (who has never played any instrument) I started my lessons with so much hesitation and conce

rn, and from the first moment Barrett put me at ease. His dedication to music, and to his students' success is always apparent. He takes his time and provides constant feedback to get you on and keep you on the right track. I can honestly say I don't know if I would still be trying with my trumpet if it wasn't for Barrett's constant encouragement, tips, and assurance. He is definitely a fabulous teacher!!!"

...

Chicago, IL teacher:
Barrett H.

Review by Kevin

"A great teacher

Zach was a great teacher! He picked things that would clearly help me grow as a player, and gain greater facility on the instrument. We h

ad a couple snafus scheduling where I might wait for 10+ minutes for a lesson to start."

...

New York, NY teacher:
Zachary H.

Review by Susie

"Amely is so wonderful! I have completed 4 out of 12 lessons and I feel like I'm really on my way to greatness! Amely is so patient, caring, fun, challen

ging, and just a beautiful person. She is a great teacher and so friendly and kind. I would rave about her to anyone thinking of taking music lessons. From children to adults, she's amazing! Can you tell I really love this woman!! Thanks Amely :)"

...

San Diego, CA teacher:
Amely G.

Review by Nancy

"Rachel is confident and caring. She is extremely knowledgeable about correct breathing and singing technique. She's very patient and puts you immediate

ly at east. Out of all the music lessons I've taken, piano and guitar; singing is the most personal. Rachel really helps you to get over any self consciousness. I've seen improvement after just a few sessions and I'm excited to continue on."

...

Trenton, NJ teacher:
Rachel B.

Review by Gregory

"If you really want to learn how to play great piano / Keyboard playing.
Greg is the answer. Use Greg and you will learn to play like the pros."

New Haven, CT teacher:
Gregory G.

Review by Michael

"First lesson was great. William is cool and informative. I'm am looking forward to working together!"

Andrew B.

About Andrew

Andrew is a graduate of Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Hollywood, California with a degree in drum/percussion performance. At Musicians Institute he had the opportunity to study with drum book authors: Ed Roscetti, Chuck Silverman and Gary Hess, as well as World Snare Drum Champion: Rob Carson. He also studied music theory at Bucks County Community College

He first began his drum studies at age 10; playing percussion in school and at 17 began performing and recording drums professionally. He spent a great deal of his time working with local artists in Philadelphia and

Manhattan and touring the northeastern states. During his time in Los Angeles he performed in cover bands, jazz/Latin groups and for dozens of independent artists. He also had the privilege to work with some well know artists, such as Scott Shriner of Weezer, Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe, and The Blue Man Group.

Teaching drums is just as much a passion of his as is drum performance and recording. In 2005 he was hired as the drum instructor at Los Angeles City College. Since then, he has authored three different drum books and has taught music at Southern California Music School, Alhambra School of Music, Pasadena City College, LA Valley College, LA Academy and several other institutions.

Andrew was awarded Teacher of the Year 2007/2008 at Southern California Music School. He also received Best Drummer Award at the Emergenza’s Battle of the Bands contest in 2005. Under Andrew’s instruction, Carver Middle School was also awarded 1st place during the NVISION Battle of the Bands contest in 2010.

*** Lesson Details ***After years of teaching, I have learned to speak the language of my students. I always find a way to help them understand the mechanics of playing drums. I get very excited over good music, interesting drum concepts or beats. I am patient and encouraging. I give my students praise for every accomplishment. I believe that anyone can become a great drummer.

*** Studio Equipment ***Rehearsal Studio with seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***I provide the learning material, I expect the student to have their own drums/equipment.

*** Specialties ***I teach reading and writing music notation as well as to play by ear. I specialize in Jazz, Rock, Blues, Country, Metal, and Latin styles. I know heel-up, heel-down, and heel-toe bass drum pedal technique. I also specialize in rudimental drumming.

...

Reviews

Teresa B. June 18, 2015
Drum ·
In studio Verified Student

Great tips to get started.

Cherry J. April 6, 2015
Drum ·
In studio

Andrew is fantastic! I am a very uncoordinated female in my mid 30's who had this crazy dream to play the drums. My first lessons with Andrew started in a group class setting with ages ranging from 8 to OLD! Andrew had the ability to cater to all our needs so we can understand in our own way no matter what age. By the end of those group sessions I was able to read drum music and play basic beats. I then started taking private lessons with him where he was teaching me to play along with songs, make my own beats, and pretty much just jam. I had a blast learning from him. He is extremely patient and will break it down for you step by step until you understand the fundamentals, mechanics, rhythms, and patterns. He's versatile and was teaching me different styles of music from Rock and Hip Hop, Latin to Reggae. He moved away from the LA area and I have NOT found a teacher on the same level as Andrew. For any females or parents out there concerned, Andrew is very professional and personable. Rest assured he is not creepy and has the best interest for all his students. I can't recommend this guy enough!

Kim G. April 4, 2015
Drum ·
In studio

Andrew is an awesome drum teacher! I started studying with him in a group class setting, where he easily worked with students of all ages and levels of musical experience to teach the fundamentals of drumming. I moved into private lessons with him, which he always balanced nicely focusing on a variety of things: technique, exercises, reading, listening and songs. He is very skilled and knowledgeable, dependable and a wonderfully nice guy. I learned so much from him in the years that I studied with him and was sad to see him leave Los Angeles. I highly recommend him as a drum teacher for students of all ages!

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Andrew B.

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Andrew B.

Feasterville Trevose, PA 19053

(6)

starting at

$20
/ 30-min

Galina S.

About Galina

Born in Moldova, lyric soprano Galina S. has emerged as a young artist of remarkable versatility and great vocal beauty.

“Galina possesses a most glorious soprano voice… her contributions to music have always been of the highest caliber, amply demonstrating her vocal and intellectual flexibility and accomplishment… she is a great singer and performer.” (John Shirley-Quirk, International baritone)

Ms. S’s impressive voice and sensitive musicianship has lead to performances in numerous cities in the United States as well as Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Israel, Moldova, and St. Petersburg, R

ussia. Her repertoire encompasses a vast gamut and includes lieder, chamber music, oratorio, and opera, sung in various languages, including German, French, Italian, Russian, Czech, English, and Spanish.

Galina will be next heard as Amelia in Un ballo in maschera with Concert Opera Philadelphia, in March 2013. She will also sing the title role in Suor Angelica with OperaOggi NY in 2012/2013 season. Her most recent roles include Donna Anna in Don Giovanni (New York Lyric Opera Theater), Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Nedda in I Pagliacci, Mimì and Musetta in La Bohème, and Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi. Some of the other roles are Violetta in La Traviata, Tatiana in Eugene Onegin, the title role in Iolanta, Marfa in Tsar’s Bride, Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, and Konstanze in Die Entführung aus dem Serail.

In oratorio Ms. S. has performed as a soprano soloist in the Lord Nelson Mass and Theresa Mass of Haydn, Handel’s Messiah, J. S. Bach’s Magnificat, and the Neue Liebeslieder, Opus 65 by Brahms. Her recital and chamber repertoire include songs and song cycles by Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Mussorgsky, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Dvořak, Manuel de Falla, Poulenc, and Messiaen.

Ms. S. has been the recipient of several awards and scholarships which include Washington International Competition in Washington DC, Center for Contemporary Opera Competition in New York, Giulio Gari Foundation International Vocal Competition in New York, New York Vocal Artists Competition, Peabody Conservatory Graduate Performance Diploma Scholarship and grant, and Mayor’s Scholarship from the University of Pennsylvania where Galina received her undergraduate degrees in music and computer science engineering. Galina has also been chosen to participate in the International Music Competition of the ARD in Munich.

Galina is a graduate of Peabody Conservatory of Music where she received a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance, and University of Pennsylvania, which she finished with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Computer Science Engineering.

Ms. S. is a dedicated and enthusiastic voice teacher, who has been teaching for the past ten years. Many of her students have become soloists in their schools’ musical productions, and several went on to continue their studies at major conservatories. She has taught at Cabrini College, Settlement Music School, and is presently teaching at Leopold Mozart Academy. She also offers lessons out of her private studio at her home.

*** Lesson Details ***My style of teaching is very straight forward. Students will first learn a proper breathing technique which is essential to good vocal production. The lessons always start with simple vocalizations, followed by repertoire appropriate to each student. The development and progress will greatly depend on students initial level and the time they spend practicing at home.

*** Travel Equipment ***The student must have a piano or keyboard. I will bring music books.

*** Specialties ***I have the most experience teaching classical voice - bel canto style of singing which concentrates on proper breathing technique and production of healthy unstressed sound.

...

Reviews

Anthony B. August 8, 2014
Singing ·
In studio Verified Student

Very enjoyable experience learning from her Galina.

Richard M. January 20, 2014
Singing Verified Student

Great vocal lesson experience!

Although my association with Galina was brief, the information gleaned was infinite. She really made me feel comfortable, tailored the lessons for maximum result, and quickly identified my bad habits while guiding me on how to avoid them going forward. To be a good teacher, you have to be a master yourself in that field... I can tell you Galina has a beautiful voice in her own right which really helps her lead by example. In closing, I would strongly recommend her services to anyone interested regardless of level of experience.

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Galina S.

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Galina S.

Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006

(2)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

Matthew S.

About Matthew

I started playing trumpet in grade school and was in the marching band the first year of high school. I then switched to playing upright bass in the orchestra. This led to me being a part of the jazz band and playing instrumentals for school musicals. Upon graduation time, I received the gold medal for music performance in strings. I was also an AP music theory student. After, I pursued a bachelor's degree in music and took education courses. I have tutored music theory and given instrument lessons, but they were always self employed or from the university.

I wish to help others make music

an enjoying part of their lives, as it is in mine.

*** Lesson Details ***For lessons, I like to get a feel of the student's current abilities and then start from there. I'm progressive in my methods and use a scaffolding technique. Going out of your comfort zone helps learning and development.

*** Studio Equipment ***Fender Jazz BassMusic Man SUB BassAmpeg amp

*** Travel Equipment ***Students should have a logbook or notebook, staff paper, pencils, their instruments if applicable, and a metronome.

I bring extra staff paper and pencils just in case

*** Specialties ***rock, jazz, funk, R&B, classical

...

Reviews

Ronan D. July 28, 2015
Guitar ·
In studio Verified Student

Matthew is very patient with my 6 year old. He is an excellent teacher.

Yves S. July 15, 2015
Piano ·
In home Verified Student

he is a great teacher on his approach and explained the materials pretty well and i like him for that.

Nina June 20, 2015
Piano ·
In studio Verified Student

Matthew kind-hearted , patient and very talented teacher. He easily found a common language with my 5 year old daughter . She is delighted with the first lesson and looks forward to the next.

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Matthew S.

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Matthew S.

Levittown, PA 19057

(12)

starting at

$15
/ 30-min

Amanda R.

About Amanda

Amanda is a 2013 graduate of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance. Graduating Cum Laude, Amanda has had a variety of experiences that allow her to adjust to the learning style of each student. Amanda has held several internships with The Bristol Riverside Theatre, Foundations Community Partnership and The Berks Childrens Classical Choir. Teaching elementary and middle school aged children is where Amanda excels. Teaching experiences include student teaching at Hamburg Middle School, specializing in the Acoustic Guitar, and Cumru E

lementary School. Amanda is a trained Soprano and has performed with The Reading Pop symphony, The Trenton Community Singers and Princeton ProMusica starting in September 2013.

*** Lesson Details ***Teaching fundamental musicianship skills are crucial to becoming a skilled musician. Not only will I be teaching Voice, Piano, and Beginning Acoustic Guitar, I will also be teaching Music Theory, and how to properly read music. I expect all students to develop the necessary skills and drive to succeed. I have an array of music books for classical and contemporary sheet music for all ages and levels. Students should incorporate practicing into daily routines for a minimum of 30 mins 4 days a week. Students will be provided with a weekly practice log that will be check at each lesson. Students should be progressing each lesson and will be provided with the necessities to do so! I want ALL of my students to have fun and enjoy learning!

*** Travel Equipment ***Full keyboard, acoustic guitar, and an array of Voice, Piano and Guitar music and books. Students are expected to be prepared with notebooks and pencils.

Reviews

Jessica W. July 28, 2015
Singing ·
In studio Verified Student

Amanda is a wonderful teacher. She is very accommodating to meet your needs and always moves at your pace. She brings out the confidence in yourself and makes you feel so comfortable like you have known her your whole life. I would highly recommend her as a teacher. I have only had a few lessons with her so far and already i have learned so much.

Linnsie H. July 14, 2015

I work with Amanda in the same building. She is very reliable, friendly and has a true passion for her work.

Gretchen S. July 9, 2015
Piano ·
In studio Verified Student

A couple months ago, I enrolled my 4 yr. old son, Wyatt, for piano lessons with Amanda Ramus. Wyatt took to piano lessons immediately. Ms. Ramus has a very engaging style of teaching that can get kids and adults alike interested and enthusiastic about the learning material. Genuinely friendly and pleasant, prospective students will find her a joy to work with. What makes her stand out is that she really loves what she does, and I highly recommend her!

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Amanda R.

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Amanda R.

Levittown, PA 19057

(13)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

Kevin W.

About Kevin

BM Temple University-percussion performance

...

Reviews

Sally G. June 6, 2015
Drum ·
In studio

After 30 years I finally decided to learn how to play drums. Kevin clearly knows what he's doing in any genre of drumming! It seemed like every lesson he had a clear/thorough plan, didn't stress me out by teaching to rapidly, or bore me by going to slowly. A very solid teacher.

Sam K. June 6, 2015
Drum ·
In home

Been trying to get my middle-schooler to practice for a few years now. It's like pulling teeth.

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